The corporate and commercial team at Simpson Grierson regularly advises both buyers and sellers in public and private M&A and capital market transactions. The group demonstrates particular strength in infrastructure projects, as well as in the energy, water, and mining sectors. Andrew Matthews spearheads the practice, leading a talented team of individuals and specialising in overseas investment. The team further includes the highly regarded Don Holborow and Michael Pollard, the latter being noted for his experience in securities. James Hawes demonstrates capabilities in private equity and venture capital matters, while Anastasiya Gamble regularly acts on a range of commercial transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'One of Simpson Grierson's greatest strengths is that they have multiple partners who specialise in various areas, so when you have a particular issue arising during an M&A project, you have access to experienced partners who have in-depth knowledge of the problem area.'
- 'Michael Pollard is great at problem-solving and "looking outside of the box". He also uses his fellow partner's knowledge if the particular problem is outside his area of expertise. He is also easy to contact and responds very quickly when needed.'
- 'Very good blend of skills and experience.'
- 'Simpson Grierson has a diverse team that makes it easy for our organisation to get the legal support it needs, no matter the area of law.'
- 'Always available and flexible, pleasant to work with.'
- 'Technically very strong, very commercial and very client focused.'
- 'Proactive and engaging people who are quick thinkers and are prepared to deal quickly with any issues we have. They have the ability to quickly scale up major projects.'
- 'Stand-out partners are Michael Pollard and Anastasiya Gamble.'
Key clients
- The a2 Milk Company
- 2degrees
- Adamantem Capital
- Auckland Council
- Comvita Limited
- Crimson Education/Crimson Consulting
- Flynn Group
- Gloria Foods
- Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets & Aware Super
- Manawa Energy
- nib New Zealand
- Perpetual Guardian Group
- Qube Ports NZ Limited
- Rayonier Inc / Matariki Forestry Group
- Rocket Lab
- SG Fleet Group
Work highlights
Advised the Australian Retirement Trust (ART), Australia’s second-largest pension fund on the $2 billion acquisition of 33% of Powerco, New Zealand’s second-largest gas and electricity distributor.
Advised Auckland Council, the largest local authority in New Zealand, on the $1.31 billion sale of its final tranche of shares in NZX-listed Auckland International Airport, NZ’s largest international airport, and the establishment of the Auckland Future Fund (AFF), an inter-generational investment trust to provide long-term benefits for Auckland.
Advised Rayonier Inc, a global forest company responsible for more than 2.5 million acres of timberland, on the $1.24 billion sale of its indirect 76.99% shareholding in Matariki Forests to interests associated with The Rohatyn Group (TRG), a global emerging markets asset management business.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Andrew Matthews
Other key lawyers
Don Holborow; Michael Pollard; James Hawes; Andrew Matthews; Anastasiya Gamble; Simpson Grierson